The core fleet of boats is steadily building and this year there were 6 Classic and four Silver fleet boats taking part. There were 3 home boats and 7 visitors from the north of England, Northern Ireland, Shetland, Plockton in the far north of Scotland as well as Solway and more locally.
The rain managed to hold off for the whole weekend and there was a reasonable amount of sunshine, but Saturday's race commenced with strong winds from the west, sending white horses marching down the lake and creating a significant chop for the beats and surfing for the downwind legs. Those who braved a spinnaker were rewarded with a terrific sleigh ride in the fierce gusts.
After three races everyone was ready for some food and liquid refreshment and Bobby Salmond and his wife Ingrid laid on a very tasty barbeque with mixed salads followed by home-made pudding, which was consumed with relish alongside the free beer and wine. Graham Sharp of 485 Gilmac showed off his culinary talents, cooking the burgers and sausages to perfection!
Sunday dawned with a much-moderated breeze, providing ideal Fifteen sailing for the final two races in gentle sunshine.
By the last race, Bobby had done enough to take the Classic trophy, but it was all to play for between Kenny and John in the Silvers. Most of the fleet went for a pin end start on starboard, which lead to some bunching, Kenny Leask and Graham Lamond took advantage of this, immediately breaking away on port, chased by the rest of the pack. These two lead the first lap with Kenny going on to take the win and the Silver championship. Unfortunately, on the second lap, Graham Lamond dropped the spinnaker under the boat, and Graham Sharp finally got his chance to take a well-deserved win in Gilmac to close the event.
A hotly contested championship showing that older boats in top condition can race as hard and successfully as ever with four different race winners in the Classics and two in the Silvers. If you have not attended before, have a serious think about joining the 2025 event if you own a Classic or Silver boat. It's a great way to enjoy the boat without the pressure of a full-on main fleet event.
A huge thank you to Loch Earn SC and Bobby Salmond for arranging and hosting the event in a most beautiful setting.
Overall Results:
Classic Fleet
1st GBR627 - Bobby Salmond & Karen Robertson
2nd GBR759 - David McKee & Keith Jamieson
3rd IRL817 - Bryan Willis & John McPeake
4th GBR458 - Graham Sharp & Nicol Halcrow
5th GBR1155 - Graham Lamond & Rachel Lamond
6th GBR2803 - Glen Fullarton & Ailsa Davidson
Silver Fleet
1st GBR3398 - Kenny Leask & Ross Leask
2nd GBR3142 - John Best & Iain Best
3rd GBR2878 - Hugh Simpson & Iain Louther
4th 3362 - Scott Train & Ann Stewart
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